By: Karo Sani Bala
In a move to ensure adequate Implementation of water, sanitation and hygiene plans in the nation’s capital and surroundings, the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has intensified efforts to strengthen collaboration with Area Councils to actualize the strategic action plans in *WASH*.
Leading advocacy visits to Area Councils, the Executive Director of FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RUWASSA) Dr. Muhammed Ali Dan-hassan has called on the councils to redouble efforts in complementing the Administration’s programmes on WASH to fight water related diseases and uplift the living standards of communities in the territory.
Dr. Dan-hassan stated that of special importance is the fight against open defecation as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari through Executive Order 009 which the Administration is out to implement in collaboration with Area Councils who, as stakeholders, were already committed to this cause.
He said RUWASSA has been working with various agencies, local and international,as partners such as UNICEF, Japanese International Cooperation Agency,JICA and Federal Ministry of Water Resources to achieve the goals of basic sanitation as required universally.
Dr. Dan-hassan also noted that while Kwali Area Council is apparently set to become the first to attain open defecation free status in the FCT, he however pointed out that, there is need for the Area Councils to establish WASH units and Task Groups and support them to deliver their work satisfactorily. He further called for the resuscitation of sanitation bye laws to support enforcement where necessary.
On their parts, the Executive Chairmen of the councils, reiterated their commitments to the full implementation of the emergency plans on sanitation as contained in Mr. President’s directive.
They also expressed their resolve to give their maximum cooperation in the provision of public toilets in markets, motor parks,schools and health care centres across the FCT to address the menace of open defecation as well as other health challenges particularly encountered in wet season.
On resuscitation of sanitation bye laws in FCT,the three Council Chairmen agree to look into it and come up with a decision to ensure swift and seamless implementation of the laws in their localities.
The advocacy sessions were hosted by Honourable Danladi Chiya of Kwali, Abdullahi Sulaiman Sabo of Kuje and Abubakar Giri, Gwagwalada, who was represented by Mohammed Saba, the Council Secretary.
